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Plant Manager

Imagineering Finishing Technologies

South Bend, IN

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JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
AS 9100, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D), Administrative Skills, Aerospace and Defense, Analysis Skills, Background Investigation, Business Plan, Cadence, Coaching, Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Corrective Action, Cost Control, Cross-Functional, Customer Support/Service, Delivery Management, Dental Insurance, Disability Insurance, Employee Assistance Plan, Global Branding, ISO 14001, ISO 9001, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Management, Interpersonal Skills, Leadership, Life Insurance, Maintain Compliance, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Operations, Microsoft Office, Operational Audit, Operational Improvement, Operational Strategy, Operational Support, Operations, Operations Management, Operations Processes, Organizational Skills, People Management, Performance Analysis, Performance Management, Performance Metrics, Performance Reviews, Plant Management, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Process Management, Production Support, Purchasing/Procurement, Quality Management, Regulatory Compliance, Root Cause Analysis, Safety/Work Safety, Sales, Sales Support, Schedule Development, Set Goals, Staff Requirements, Strategic Planning, Succession Planning, Talent Management, Team Building, Technical Leadership, Technical Sales, Technical Support, Time Management, Vision Plan
LOCATION
South Bend, IN
POSTED
3 days ago
Description

About Us

Imagineering Finishing Technologies is a leading metal finishing company dedicated to delivering high-quality solutions to our clients. The Imagineering brand is globally acknowledged as the KnowledgeSource for Metal Finishing. We take pride in our commitment to excellence, innovation, and a positive workplace culture.

Position Summary

The Plant Manager has full operational accountability for the IFT Foundation Court facility - a metal finishing operation serving aerospace, defense, automotive, medical, and nuclear customers under AS9100, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and NADCAP-accredited processes.

The Plant Manager is accountable for two core priorities: operational excellence and leadership development. They oversee, coordinate, and optimize all production processes at IFT, ensuring systems and procedures are consistently followed. The role manages scheduling, processing, testing, administrative functions, and other production activities to support IFT's on-time delivery goals and maintain quality in a cost-effective way. The Plant Manager also develops their team through consistent coaching, performance management, and leadership growth initiatives. They have the authority to direct resources as needed to meet corporate objectives established by the Executive Management Committee and the Strategic Business Plan.

Operations & Process Management Responsibilities

The Plant Manager owns end-to-end operational performance of the facility and ensures all production processes run safely, efficiently, and in alignment with quality and delivery commitments. Key responsibilities include:

  • Daily Production Leadership - Direct all production operations across shifts, ensuring throughput targets are met without compromising safety or quality.
  • Daily Operations Reviews - Lead structured daily reviews, addressing performance variances through disciplined root-cause analysis.
  • KPI Ownership - Establish and review facility KPIs (on-time delivery, first-pass yield, throughput, cost per unit) with the team on a weekly cadence.
  • Checklist & Meeting Compliance - Ensure Assistant Plant Manager and Coordinator daily checklists are completed, and bi-weekly department action-item meetings occur with proper tracking.
  • On-Time Delivery Management - Maintain IFT's on-time delivery goals by coordinating scheduling and staffing needs with department coordinators.
  • Customer & Internal Communication - Communicate with internal/external customers and production administrative staff to monitor order status and facilitate changes as needed.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration - Work effectively with EHS, Maintenance, Sales, and Quality to ensure seamless operations.
  • Sales Support - Support Technical Sales with quote input, technical guidance, customer visits, and other sales-related activities.
  • People Leadership & Development - Lead, coach, and develop team members; support hiring decisions, training needs, qualification records, and performance evaluations.
  • Continuous Improvement - Identify and recommend cost controls, process improvements, and operational efficiencies.
  • Inventory & Materials Coordination - Partner with Purchasing to verify, review, maintain, and report on materials and production inventories.
People Leadership & Team Development
  • Build & Develop Talent - Recruits, hires, trains, and develops a high-performing team while promoting from within and strengthening overall leadership capability.
  • Lead Daily Operations - Oversees daily workflow, ensures policy and standards compliance, and maintains consistent execution across the facility.
  • Coach for Performance - Provides timely evaluations, sets clear individual goals, manages performance objectively, and addresses issues fairly through coaching and corrective action.
  • Grow Future Leaders - Identifies high-potential employees, builds development plans, drives succession planning, delegates effectively, and models strong leadership behaviors.
  • Communicate & Collaborate Effectively - Communicates clearly at all levels, navigates constructive or difficult conversations, and maintains strong interpersonal and customer-service relationships.
  • Demonstrate Professional Competence - Applies strong technical aptitude, analytical problem-solving, organizational discipline, time-management skills, and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite to support team and operational success.
Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Industrial Management, Industrial Engineering or related field highly preferred. (Proven experience will be considered in lieu of a degree)
  • Minimum 5 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including at least 3 years in a plant management or senior operations leadership role
  • Demonstrated experience leading operations in a regulated manufacturing environment
  • Hands-on experience managing personnel across multiple shifts in a continuous or near-continuous operating environment
  • Working knowledge of metal finishing processes, a plus
  • Practical fluency with AS9100, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and NADCAP requirements a plus
Job Level

Managerial level position. Reports directly to the Director of Operations

Travel

Local and overnight travel may be required occasionally.

Benefits
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • HDHP Plans with Company contribution to H.S.A.
  • Flexible spending accounts for Medical and Dependent Care
  • Company paid life insurance with AD&D
  • Company paid short-term disability insurance
  • Voluntary life with AD&D for employee, spouse, and child(ren)
  • Voluntary long-term disability insurance
  • Supplemental Accident and Critical Illness plans
  • 401(k) matching program
  • Flexible schedules, generous paid time off, plus 8 paid holidays
  • Company outings
  • Employee Assistance Program

Disclaimer: This job description is not a complete description of responsibility, but reflects the general qualifications, duties and/or responsibilities necessary to perform this position. All candidates who receive a written offer of employment will be required to successfully pass a background check and drug screen. The Company reserves the right to revise the job description as necessary.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: Our company is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other category protected by law.

Attention Applicants: If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please let us know. Likewise, if you are limited in the ability to access or use this online application process and need alternative methods of applying, we will determine an alternate way for you to apply. Please contact our People team at HR@iftww.com or call 800-207-2516 for assistance with an accommodation.

About the Company

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Imagineering Finishing Technologies